A New Chapter Begins at Sandhurst Ridge Winery

What started as a dream for a quieter life, stronger family ties, and a connection to the land has blossomed into a bold new venture for our three-generation family—now the proud custodians of Sandhurst Ridge Winery in Myers Flat, just outside Bendigo.

 In early 2025, the extended family relocated from Victoria’s Yarra Valley to their new 30-acre home, including 18 acres of established vineyards. The property had been lovingly cultivated for over three decades by Paul and Karen Greblo, with Paul—last of the four founding Greblo brothers—ready to pass the torch to a new generation.

 Thrown Into the Deep End—And Loving It

“We settled on a Tuesday and were harvesting by Saturday,” recalls Stacey with a laugh. “It was 37 degrees, and our friends and family were out in the vineyard with us, picking grapes in the heat.”

That sweaty first harvest marked a crash course in winemaking—and the beginning of a steep, exhilarating learning curve.

 Now, Sandhurst Ridge is jointly run by Stacey and her husband Andrew; her parents Joanne and David Barnden; and her sister Rachel and brother-in-law Matthew Carnell, a classically trained French chef and owner of Daylesford’s acclaimed Bistro Terroir. Their professional backgrounds span real estate, construction, hospitality, and retail—none of them traditional pathways to viticulture.

 “We weren’t necessarily looking for a winery,” Joanne explains. “We wanted land, space, and a change of pace. Finding Sandhurst Ridge was a beautiful surprise.”

 Tradition Meets Innovation

Despite being newcomers to the wine industry, the family hasn’t gone it alone. Acclaimed Daylesford winemaker Chris Dilworth stepped in as a mentor after hearing about the transition. “Chris has been incredible,” says Stacey. “He’s shared his expertise generously while giving us room to explore and make the wines our own.”

 Their first vintage under the Sandhurst Ridge name includes a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a vibrant rosé, and a classic Bendigo Shiraz—each crafted with a balance of tradition and fresh perspective. The whites and rosé are expected for release later this year, while the Shiraz continues to mature in oak barrels.

Adding a sentimental touch, the final Shiraz vintage by Paul Greblo (2024) will also be bottled and released—bridging past and present in a fitting tribute to the winery’s legacy.

 Honouring the Past, Building the Future

Long known for producing “Great Australian wine with a European soul,” Sandhurst Ridge has cultivated a loyal following over the years. The new custodians understand the weight of that legacy—and are embracing the challenge with open hearts, busy hands, and big plans.

The future of Sandhurst Ridge may look different, but it’s rooted in the same values: care for the land, passion for quality wine, and now, a powerful family story.